Restaurant Week continues its success in downtown Raleigh

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Raleigh, N.C. — Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week returned to the Oak City last month, from Aug. 17-23, along with a new wrinkle—lunch.

“We saw an uptick of 15-20 percent of first-timers that week,” said Manhattan Café owner Casey Vorbeck. “It was fantastic.”

Restaurants offered special fixed-price menus, and David Diaz, president of the Downtown Raleigh Alliance said customers responded.

“We also had testimonials, like from Shuckers, who said their sales went up 126 percent,” Diaz said.

Diaz said a healthy downtown dining scene is important for the entire city, especially people moving to the area from larger cities.

“They expect to have an awesome variety, a diverse array of restaurants in their downtown,” Diaz said. “I think it speaks to the quality of life our residents expect.”

Vorbeck said he doesn’t mind the competition, and that it’s a sign of a healthy downtown atmosphere.

“What’s good for them is good for me, and it’s good for the area,” Vorbeck said. “Competition is good.”

Organizers of the event said they are hoping to partner with a food-touring company for next year's restaurant week. They're also encouraging participating restaurants to offer more options on next year's special menus.